Clothing in the Enlightenment
by: Madison Graham
France
In France, the sphere of influence for art, culture and fashion shifted from Versailles to Paris, where the educated bourgeoisie class gained influence and power in salons and cafés. The new fashions introduced therefore had a greater impact on society, affecting not only royalty and aristocrats, but also middle and even lower classes. Ironically, the single most important figure to establish Rococo fashions was Louis XV’s mistress Madame Pompadour. She adored pastel colors and the light, happy style which came to be known as Rococo, and subsequently light stripe and floral patterns became popular.
Marie Antoinette
She became the leader of french fashion. Her dress maker also became highly know because of Marie Antoinette. Her trademark was not having a limit on how much money she could spend which ended up helping the french revolution.